Sermon Transcript
Reader's Version
Resetting Christmas: Are We Doing It Wrong?Sermon by Gene SimcoReader’s Version
Merry Christmas!
Today, we continue our Reset series by looking at Christmas through the lens of Scripture. As we’ve seen over the past weeks, much of what we do as Christians isn’t always rooted in the Bible. So this Christmas, we ask an important question: Are we doing Christmas wrong? More importantly, what does the Bible actually say about celebrating Christmas?
First, let’s define Christmas. It’s the time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. However, if you’re familiar with the Bible, you’ll notice something interesting: Jesus didn’t just begin His existence at His birth. Colossians 1:15 states, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” Similarly, the Gospel of John opens with the profound declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him” (John 1:1–3).
While we celebrate the miraculous incarnation of Jesus—Emmanuel, “God with us”—it’s essential to remember that Jesus has existed eternally. He is the firstborn over all creation, not in the sense of being created but as preeminent over all. So, in one sense, Jesus doesn’t have a “birthday” like we do. Yet, it is entirely fitting to celebrate the moment He entered human history in the flesh to bring salvation.
Now, what does the Bible say about the Christmas story? To answer this, it’s helpful to understand how the Bible is arranged. If you’ve read it extensively, you know it isn’t presented in strict chronological order. For example, in the Old Testament, the books of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles often overlap, with the prophetic books fitting into these historical accounts. Similarly, the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are not contradictory but complementary accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, written from different perspectives. Of these, Matthew and Luke provide us with the most detail about Jesus’ birth and early life, while John and Mark emphasize other aspects of His ministry.
With this in mind, let’s begin with Matthew’s account, which provides one of the earliest windows into the birth of Jesus.
"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”’ When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named Him Jesus” (Matthew 1:18–25).
Here, Matthew connects Jesus’ birth to the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, specifically as it appears in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint. The word parthenos, meaning “virgin,” is significant and underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit.
Now consider Joseph’s response. Imagine the faith required to accept that your fiancée was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Even for a man of faith, that’s a lot to believe. Surely, the appearance of the angel reassured Joseph, but his willingness to trust and obey God is still remarkable.
Again, the Gospels are not in chronological order, so to continue piecing together the Christmas story, we move to the Gospel of Luke. Luke provides a detailed account, starting in Luke 2:1:
"At that time, the Roman emperor Augustus decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."
This brings us to one of the most iconic moments in Scripture: Jesus born in humble circumstances, fulfilling prophecy and entering into the world He created. However, at this point, it’s worth stepping into the Gospel of John to grasp a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. While John doesn’t focus on the nativity or early life of Jesus, he emphasizes His eternal nature. In John 1:10–14, we read:
"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."
This powerful passage reminds us that the birth of Jesus wasn’t just about a baby in a manger—it was God entering His creation to offer salvation to all who believe.
Returning to Luke 2, we pick up at verse 8 with another remarkable part of the Christmas story:
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.'
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."
This is the true Christmas account—not focused on commercialism, not about decorations or traditions, but the miraculous story of God stepping into history to bring salvation to mankind.
You see, the Christmas story is ultimately about God’s humility. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a manger, a place for animals. His birth was announced not to rulers or religious elites but to humble shepherds. And it was these shepherds who visited Him first. He could have come into this world in any form He desired. He is God, after all. He could have chosen to be born into wealth or royalty, but instead, He chose to come as the son of a carpenter, born in the most modest of circumstances.
Even the offering His parents gave after His birth reflects this humility. When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, they gave the sacrifice of the poor: two turtle doves or pigeons. According to the law, this was the concession for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:22–24; Leviticus 12:8). Every detail of Jesus' birth points to God's humility and His identification with the lowly.
But it’s also about God’s immense love. As John 3:16 proclaims: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus accomplished what the law could not, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
It’s also about God’s faithfulness. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a Messiah, and Jesus fulfills these prophecies with astonishing accuracy. Consider the following:
• Isaiah 7:14: The virgin birth is foretold as a sign of God’s presence with us—Emmanuel, “God with us.” This prophecy, spoken to Ahaz, assured the preservation of the line of David, and indeed, it endured.
• Isaiah 9:6–7: Jesus is prophesied as the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” an eternal ruler on David’s throne.
• Isaiah 11:1: He is the branch from Jesse’s line, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord.
• Genesis 22:18: Jesus is the seed of Abraham, through whom all nations will be blessed, as confirmed by Paul in Galatians 3:16.
• Genesis 49:10: Jacob foretells the coming of the Lion of Judah, the ruler of all nations.
• Numbers 24:17: A star and a scepter signify the ruler from Jacob’s line, fulfilled in Jesus as the King of Israel.
• Jeremiah 23:5–6: The righteous King from David’s line is prophesied: “The Lord is our righteous Savior.”
• Micah 5:2: The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, from the tribe of Judah.
• Jeremiah 31:15: Herod’s slaughter of the children following Jesus’ birth was foretold with heartbreaking accuracy.
These fulfilled prophecies highlight not only the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth but also God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. Jesus’ arrival is the culmination of centuries of divine prophecy, proving that He is the long-awaited Messiah and the ultimate expression of God’s humility, love, and faithfulness.
There are many myths and misconceptions about Christmas and the Christmas account. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones and the historical context surrounding them.
First, you might notice something missing from the biblical Christmas account if you have a manger scene at home: the wise men. For starters, the Bible never calls them kings. The Greek word used in Matthew’s Gospel is Magi (μάγοι), which literally means “magicians” or possibly astrologers, not kings. The Greek word for king, Basileia (βασιλεία), is not present in the text. Furthermore, the Bible doesn’t specify that there were three of them—it mentions three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but there could have been many more Magi who made the journey.
Another detail often overlooked is the timing. The Magi didn’t visit the manger. Instead, Matthew 2:11 tells us that they arrived at a house. Based on Herod’s decree to kill all male children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16), it’s likely their visit occurred up to two years after Jesus’ birth. So yes, those nativity scenes with the Magi crowded around the manger are historically inaccurate. Maybe it’s time to reset your nativity set and kick the kings out of the manger—they can take their rightful place on the shelf with the elf!
Now, let’s step back and examine the historical and biblical context. Christmas as a holiday isn’t mentioned in the Bible. What we see emphasized in Scripture is the celebration of the Lord’s Day and the resurrection of Jesus. The birth of Jesus, while essential to our faith, was not a focal point of early Christian practice. Why? Likely because theologically, Jesus is eternal. As John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15 remind us, Jesus existed from the beginning as the visible image of the invisible God.
Interestingly, after Acts 1, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is not mentioned again in the New Testament. Out of the 27 books of the New Testament, she only appears in the Gospels and briefly in Acts. Beyond that, she fades from the narrative entirely. Some speculate about her being the “woman” in Revelation, but there is much debate on that interpretation, and the evidence is scant.
Historically, Christmas wasn’t celebrated until around 336 AD—over 300 years after the resurrection of Jesus. Think about that: if the resurrection occurred around 33 AD, Christianity existed for three centuries without celebrating Christmas. Instead, the early church focused on the resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith. Were the early Christians wrong? It seems unlikely. As the saying goes, “The water is purest the nearer it is to the source.”
Finally, it’s essential to recognize that many of the traditions we associate with Christmas today have little to no biblical basis. Over time, much of Christmas has been commercialized by entities like Montgomery Ward, Hallmark, and other secular influences. While it’s not inherently wrong to enjoy these traditions, it’s crucial to distinguish between biblical truth and cultural additions. By resetting our understanding of Christmas, we can celebrate it in a way that honors its true meaning: the miraculous birth of our Savior, Emmanuel—God with us.
The question naturally arises: should we celebrate Christmas? As Christians, we have freedom in Christ, and the Bible provides guidance for navigating such questions. If we turn to the book of Romans, we see that it is largely about unity. The letter addresses the tensions between two groups—Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians—who are struggling to get along. Jewish Christians, proud of their ancestry and Old Testament traditions, clash with Gentile Christians, who are proud of their freedom in Christ and see no need to adopt the same practices, such as circumcision.
Within this context, Paul emphasizes unity over what we might call secondary doctrine—issues that are not central to the gospel and do not determine salvation. In Romans 14, Paul discusses one such issue: whether or not to observe specific days as holy. He writes, “In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him” (Romans 14:5–6). The principle is clear: what matters is that we honor the Lord, regardless of our individual practices.
Paul also addresses this topic in Colossians. The church there is wrestling with asceticism, angel worship, and Sabbath practices. In Colossians 2:16–17, Paul states, “So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.” Once again, the message is that such practices are secondary to honoring Christ.
The Bible also discusses engaging with culture in ways that point people to Jesus. For example, in First Corinthians, Paul addresses questions similar to those in Romans 14, including whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. This might sound foreign to us today, but it could be likened to modern concerns about engaging with secular traditions, such as eating Halloween candy. In First Corinthians 8–10, Paul outlines how believers can wisely participate in cultural practices without causing others to stumble in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul states, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” While Paul adapts to cultural contexts to reach others, he is careful not to sin or compromise the gospel.
A remarkable example of engaging culture is found in Acts 17:22–34, where Paul addresses the people of Athens on Mars Hill. Observing their religious practices, he notices an altar dedicated to “an unknown god.” Rather than condemning their idolatry outright, Paul uses their cultural context as a bridge to introduce them to the true God. This approach underscores the importance of meeting people where they are to share the gospel effectively.
As Christians today, we can follow Paul’s example. While Christmas is not commanded in the Bible—it was not celebrated by the early church for the first 300 years—there is freedom to engage with this cultural tradition in a Christ-honoring way. Christmas can be an opportunity to open doors to faith and point others to Jesus. For instance, at our church, we put up a Christmas tree and participate in cultural customs, not because they are biblically mandated, but because they provide opportunities to engage with our community and share the gospel.
Ultimately, Christmas is an open door—a chance to gently and respectfully introduce others to Christ. Just as Paul engaged culture without compromising his faith, we too can celebrate Christmas in a way that reflects Jesus’ love and truth. It’s not about avoiding culture; it’s about transforming it by keeping Christ at the center of it all. The Christmas season has a way of opening hearts, so we, likewise should keep our doors open to those seeking Jesus.
In the Lord's house, things are meant to be different. We strive to maintain our integrity, meeting people where they are—just as Paul described in First Corinthians 9 and as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28, when He instructed us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is a proactive call, not a passive one. It’s not about waiting for people to come to us but about going to them, engaging with our community, and living out the mission of the Gospel.
However, the tradition of elaborate Christmas services can sometimes foster what I call “lazy evangelism.” Instead of reaching out, we may rely on seasonal church services to bring people in, creating an inward-facing model that can discourage authentic outreach. Consider the term CEO—Christmas and Easter Only Christians. By focusing on elaborate services tailored for these seasonal attendees, we risk enabling superficial engagement rather than encouraging full participation in the body of Christ.
As a church, we must prioritize authentic worship over consumer-driven spectacles. Christ-centered worship should always take precedence over commercialized traditions. Elaborate Christmas services, while appealing, risk misrepresenting the church. They can create a “bait and switch” scenario, where CEO Christians return the following week expecting a similarly elaborate production, only to feel disappointed or deceived. This approach hinders true discipleship and sends a mixed message about who we are as a church.
Jesus consistently addressed superficial followers. In John 6:26, He rebuked those who sought Him only for the miracles and bread, urging a deeper, more committed relationship with Him. Likewise, our worship should reflect substance over spectacle, focusing on fostering genuine discipleship rather than seasonal attendance.
Commercialism and Christ-centered worship are fundamentally incompatible. Elaborate holiday services often align more with cultural expectations than with Jesus’ teachings. By embracing such practices, we dilute the gospel message, shifting the focus from spiritual growth to consumer-driven experiences. This divergence reflects the broader antithetical divide between the world and the Word—a divide we must not allow to seep into our worship.
From a historical perspective, early Christians emphasized simplicity and devotion. Their practices contrast sharply with today’s commercialized Christmas celebrations, reminding us of the importance of maintaining undivided loyalty to Christ. Our commitment should always be to genuine discipleship and consistent messaging, fostering authentic faith and discouraging superficial engagement.
Our experience supports this approach. Over the years, we’ve tried it all—candlelight services, elaborate productions, modern worship events—yet these efforts yielded little to no lasting spiritual growth. The return on investment in terms of discipleship and genuine faith has been minimal at best. By contrast, maintaining our true identity as a church encourages deeper commitment among members and promotes year-round engagement, rather than seasonal attendance.
Jesus never called us to celebrate Him on holidays alone. He desires daily devotion, not occasional appearances. Our worship and discipleship are meant to be continuous journeys, not confined to Christmas or Easter. By avoiding extravagant Christmas services, we remain true to our identity as a faithful, Christ-centered community, inviting CEO Christians to experience the essence of the faith—free from distractions, commercialism, and spectacle.
Our decision to forgo elaborate Christmas services is rooted in a commitment to authentic worship. By rejecting the bait and switch, resisting commercialism, and promoting consistent discipleship, we seek to foster a genuine and lasting faith community. It’s not about rejecting traditions altogether but about using them wisely to glorify God and point others to the true essence of Christmas—the Christ who calls us to follow Him every day, not just on holidays.
You might hear all this and say, “But Christmas is the perfect time to reach people who don’t usually come to church.” True—but are we reaching them with truth or just with tinsel? If we fill the service with elaborate theatrics and holiday cheer but avoid the hard truths of the Gospel, are we making disciples, or just adding to the problem of commercialism? If the highlight of the service is the worship team’s rendition of O Holy Night rather than the convicting power of Scripture, then we’ve just created a Broadway show, not a worship service.
You might also say, “But what if this is their only chance to hear about Jesus?” If their only chance to hear about Jesus is at a candlelight service sandwiched between eggnog and gift wrapping, then we’ve got bigger problems. Evangelism isn’t about one-time performances; it’s about fostering relationships and planting seeds of faith. Let’s aim for authentic discipleship that lasts far beyond the Christmas lights and decorations, not a flashy spectacle that burns out as soon as the holidays are over.
Another common objection might be, “But everyone loves a traditional Christmas service—it’s nostalgic!” Nostalgia is great for Christmas movies and grandma’s fruitcake, but worship isn’t about recreating It’s a Wonderful Life. Jesus didn’t come to give us warm fuzzies; He came to transform hearts. If nostalgia is the main hook, we risk turning worship into a Hallmark special instead of offering a holy encounter with the Savior.
Some might say, “But what about the CEO Christians? Don’t we need to get them back to church?” Sure, but let’s be honest. If we cater to CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only Christians) with a spectacle, we’re more likely to see them next Christmas than the next Sunday. It’s like handing out free samples at Costco but never offering the real product. Instead of a bait and switch, let’s show them the beauty of authentic, consistent worship. A flashy show doesn’t make disciples—it only reinforces the consumerism they’ve been steeped in all season long.
Another pushback could be, “But Christmas is a time to celebrate joyfully!” Absolutely—but biblical joy doesn’t come from pageants, costumes, or perfectly choreographed services. It comes from the Gospel, the same Gospel we preach every week. If we focus more on Silent Night than on the living Word, we miss the true reason for the season.
And yes, some might even say, “But if we don’t do Christmas big, people will think we’re the Grinch!” Maybe—but remember, the Grinch turned out fine in the end. He learned that Christmas wasn’t about ribbons, tags, packages, or bags. The real scandal of Christmas isn’t a lack of a nativity play—it’s the baby in the manger who grew up to challenge every societal norm and die for our sins. That’s the controversy we should be known for.
Finally, someone might argue, “But other churches do it!” Just because everyone else jumps off the sleigh doesn’t mean we should follow. Faithfulness to Christ isn’t a popularity contest. Remember, Jesus didn’t follow the trends of His day; He flipped the tables on them—literally. We are called to uphold consistent, Christ-centered worship over consumer-driven spectacles.
We should celebrate Christmas with a focus on Jesus—the miracle of His incarnation. As Paul writes in Philippians, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:5–7) This truth should astonish us every time we reflect on it.
We should use this season as an opportunity to share the Gospel with others, not just in words but in actions. Remember the parable of the sheep and the goats—our judgment will be based not only on what we did for others but also on whether we pointed them to eternal salvation. It’s not enough to feed them fruitcake; we must also feed them the Bread of Life.
Paul reminds us in Acts 20 that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Let’s live out this principle by embodying the joy and peace announced by the angels in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” This season, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should shine brightly in our lives.
But let’s also guard against the pitfalls of commercialism. The stress and chaos often associated with holiday preparations, even within churches, can bring out the worst in us. Many who have worked in ministry during the holidays know how it can rob the joy of the season. Commercialism belongs in the marketplace, not in the Lord’s house. Let’s keep it out of the church and focus on Christ.
By focusing on the miracle of Jesus’ birth and the Gospel message, we honor the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s celebrate in a way that glorifies God and brings others closer to Him—not just through seasonal traditions but through year-round devotion and discipleship.
This year, let’s simplify our celebrations and focus on Jesus. Let’s return to the Word of God, reading the biblical account of Jesus’ birth with our friends and family. By doing what Jesus instructed, we truly honor Him—not by adding layers of traditions, but by obeying His command to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
Let’s step out of our own homes and take the message of hope, joy, and peace to those around us. Let’s go from this worship service into the world and follow Jesus’ commission. Be on the lookout in your community for those in need of the Christmas message. Use this season as a bridge to Jesus, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Share the Gospel with friends and family who might not come to church this time of year. And when the opportunity arises, invite them back—not just for another seasonal service, but to real church for real people.
Let Christmas remind you of the unshakable hope, joy, and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Remember, Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree—it’s about the One who hung on the tree for us. Let’s celebrate in a way that honors Him and points others to His saving grace.
This Christmas, let’s reset our perspective. Let’s strip away the distractions and focus on what truly matters: the miracle of the incarnation and the hope it brings. Let’s remember that the greatest gift of all is not found under a tree but on one—the cross of Christ.
May our celebrations reflect the joy and humility of that first Christmas night, when the Savior of the world was born in a humble manger. And may we, like the shepherds, leave everything behind to worship Him.
Let’s make this Christmas about Jesus - the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and the Savior of the world. After all, it’s not about a tree; it’s about the One who hung on it.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene SimcoMost Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.
Merry Christmas!
Today, we continue our Reset series by looking at Christmas through the lens of Scripture. As we’ve seen over the past weeks, much of what we do as Christians isn’t always rooted in the Bible. So this Christmas, we ask an important question: Are we doing Christmas wrong? More importantly, what does the Bible actually say about celebrating Christmas?
First, let’s define Christmas. It’s the time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. However, if you’re familiar with the Bible, you’ll notice something interesting: Jesus didn’t just begin His existence at His birth. Colossians 1:15 states, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” Similarly, the Gospel of John opens with the profound declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him” (John 1:1–3).
While we celebrate the miraculous incarnation of Jesus—Emmanuel, “God with us”—it’s essential to remember that Jesus has existed eternally. He is the firstborn over all creation, not in the sense of being created but as preeminent over all. So, in one sense, Jesus doesn’t have a “birthday” like we do. Yet, it is entirely fitting to celebrate the moment He entered human history in the flesh to bring salvation.
Now, what does the Bible say about the Christmas story? To answer this, it’s helpful to understand how the Bible is arranged. If you’ve read it extensively, you know it isn’t presented in strict chronological order. For example, in the Old Testament, the books of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles often overlap, with the prophetic books fitting into these historical accounts. Similarly, the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are not contradictory but complementary accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, written from different perspectives. Of these, Matthew and Luke provide us with the most detail about Jesus’ birth and early life, while John and Mark emphasize other aspects of His ministry.
With this in mind, let’s begin with Matthew’s account, which provides one of the earliest windows into the birth of Jesus.
"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”’ When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named Him Jesus” (Matthew 1:18–25).
Here, Matthew connects Jesus’ birth to the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, specifically as it appears in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint. The word parthenos, meaning “virgin,” is significant and underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit.
Now consider Joseph’s response. Imagine the faith required to accept that your fiancée was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Even for a man of faith, that’s a lot to believe. Surely, the appearance of the angel reassured Joseph, but his willingness to trust and obey God is still remarkable.
Again, the Gospels are not in chronological order, so to continue piecing together the Christmas story, we move to the Gospel of Luke. Luke provides a detailed account, starting in Luke 2:1:
"At that time, the Roman emperor Augustus decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."
This brings us to one of the most iconic moments in Scripture: Jesus born in humble circumstances, fulfilling prophecy and entering into the world He created. However, at this point, it’s worth stepping into the Gospel of John to grasp a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. While John doesn’t focus on the nativity or early life of Jesus, he emphasizes His eternal nature. In John 1:10–14, we read:
"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."
This powerful passage reminds us that the birth of Jesus wasn’t just about a baby in a manger—it was God entering His creation to offer salvation to all who believe.
Returning to Luke 2, we pick up at verse 8 with another remarkable part of the Christmas story:
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.'
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."
This is the true Christmas account—not focused on commercialism, not about decorations or traditions, but the miraculous story of God stepping into history to bring salvation to mankind.
You see, the Christmas story is ultimately about God’s humility. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a manger, a place for animals. His birth was announced not to rulers or religious elites but to humble shepherds. And it was these shepherds who visited Him first. He could have come into this world in any form He desired. He is God, after all. He could have chosen to be born into wealth or royalty, but instead, He chose to come as the son of a carpenter, born in the most modest of circumstances.
Even the offering His parents gave after His birth reflects this humility. When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, they gave the sacrifice of the poor: two turtle doves or pigeons. According to the law, this was the concession for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:22–24; Leviticus 12:8). Every detail of Jesus' birth points to God's humility and His identification with the lowly.
But it’s also about God’s immense love. As John 3:16 proclaims: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus accomplished what the law could not, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
It’s also about God’s faithfulness. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a Messiah, and Jesus fulfills these prophecies with astonishing accuracy. Consider the following:
• Isaiah 7:14: The virgin birth is foretold as a sign of God’s presence with us—Emmanuel, “God with us.” This prophecy, spoken to Ahaz, assured the preservation of the line of David, and indeed, it endured.
• Isaiah 9:6–7: Jesus is prophesied as the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” an eternal ruler on David’s throne.
• Isaiah 11:1: He is the branch from Jesse’s line, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord.
• Genesis 22:18: Jesus is the seed of Abraham, through whom all nations will be blessed, as confirmed by Paul in Galatians 3:16.
• Genesis 49:10: Jacob foretells the coming of the Lion of Judah, the ruler of all nations.
• Numbers 24:17: A star and a scepter signify the ruler from Jacob’s line, fulfilled in Jesus as the King of Israel.
• Jeremiah 23:5–6: The righteous King from David’s line is prophesied: “The Lord is our righteous Savior.”
• Micah 5:2: The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, from the tribe of Judah.
• Jeremiah 31:15: Herod’s slaughter of the children following Jesus’ birth was foretold with heartbreaking accuracy.
These fulfilled prophecies highlight not only the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth but also God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. Jesus’ arrival is the culmination of centuries of divine prophecy, proving that He is the long-awaited Messiah and the ultimate expression of God’s humility, love, and faithfulness.
There are many myths and misconceptions about Christmas and the Christmas account. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones and the historical context surrounding them.
First, you might notice something missing from the biblical Christmas account if you have a manger scene at home: the wise men. For starters, the Bible never calls them kings. The Greek word used in Matthew’s Gospel is Magi (μάγοι), which literally means “magicians” or possibly astrologers, not kings. The Greek word for king, Basileia (βασιλεία), is not present in the text. Furthermore, the Bible doesn’t specify that there were three of them—it mentions three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but there could have been many more Magi who made the journey.
Another detail often overlooked is the timing. The Magi didn’t visit the manger. Instead, Matthew 2:11 tells us that they arrived at a house. Based on Herod’s decree to kill all male children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16), it’s likely their visit occurred up to two years after Jesus’ birth. So yes, those nativity scenes with the Magi crowded around the manger are historically inaccurate. Maybe it’s time to reset your nativity set and kick the kings out of the manger—they can take their rightful place on the shelf with the elf!
Now, let’s step back and examine the historical and biblical context. Christmas as a holiday isn’t mentioned in the Bible. What we see emphasized in Scripture is the celebration of the Lord’s Day and the resurrection of Jesus. The birth of Jesus, while essential to our faith, was not a focal point of early Christian practice. Why? Likely because theologically, Jesus is eternal. As John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15 remind us, Jesus existed from the beginning as the visible image of the invisible God.
Interestingly, after Acts 1, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is not mentioned again in the New Testament. Out of the 27 books of the New Testament, she only appears in the Gospels and briefly in Acts. Beyond that, she fades from the narrative entirely. Some speculate about her being the “woman” in Revelation, but there is much debate on that interpretation, and the evidence is scant.
Historically, Christmas wasn’t celebrated until around 336 AD—over 300 years after the resurrection of Jesus. Think about that: if the resurrection occurred around 33 AD, Christianity existed for three centuries without celebrating Christmas. Instead, the early church focused on the resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith. Were the early Christians wrong? It seems unlikely. As the saying goes, “The water is purest the nearer it is to the source.”
Finally, it’s essential to recognize that many of the traditions we associate with Christmas today have little to no biblical basis. Over time, much of Christmas has been commercialized by entities like Montgomery Ward, Hallmark, and other secular influences. While it’s not inherently wrong to enjoy these traditions, it’s crucial to distinguish between biblical truth and cultural additions. By resetting our understanding of Christmas, we can celebrate it in a way that honors its true meaning: the miraculous birth of our Savior, Emmanuel—God with us.
The question naturally arises: should we celebrate Christmas? As Christians, we have freedom in Christ, and the Bible provides guidance for navigating such questions. If we turn to the book of Romans, we see that it is largely about unity. The letter addresses the tensions between two groups—Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians—who are struggling to get along. Jewish Christians, proud of their ancestry and Old Testament traditions, clash with Gentile Christians, who are proud of their freedom in Christ and see no need to adopt the same practices, such as circumcision.
Within this context, Paul emphasizes unity over what we might call secondary doctrine—issues that are not central to the gospel and do not determine salvation. In Romans 14, Paul discusses one such issue: whether or not to observe specific days as holy. He writes, “In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him” (Romans 14:5–6). The principle is clear: what matters is that we honor the Lord, regardless of our individual practices.
Paul also addresses this topic in Colossians. The church there is wrestling with asceticism, angel worship, and Sabbath practices. In Colossians 2:16–17, Paul states, “So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.” Once again, the message is that such practices are secondary to honoring Christ.
The Bible also discusses engaging with culture in ways that point people to Jesus. For example, in First Corinthians, Paul addresses questions similar to those in Romans 14, including whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. This might sound foreign to us today, but it could be likened to modern concerns about engaging with secular traditions, such as eating Halloween candy. In First Corinthians 8–10, Paul outlines how believers can wisely participate in cultural practices without causing others to stumble in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul states, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” While Paul adapts to cultural contexts to reach others, he is careful not to sin or compromise the gospel.
A remarkable example of engaging culture is found in Acts 17:22–34, where Paul addresses the people of Athens on Mars Hill. Observing their religious practices, he notices an altar dedicated to “an unknown god.” Rather than condemning their idolatry outright, Paul uses their cultural context as a bridge to introduce them to the true God. This approach underscores the importance of meeting people where they are to share the gospel effectively.
As Christians today, we can follow Paul’s example. While Christmas is not commanded in the Bible—it was not celebrated by the early church for the first 300 years—there is freedom to engage with this cultural tradition in a Christ-honoring way. Christmas can be an opportunity to open doors to faith and point others to Jesus. For instance, at our church, we put up a Christmas tree and participate in cultural customs, not because they are biblically mandated, but because they provide opportunities to engage with our community and share the gospel.
Ultimately, Christmas is an open door—a chance to gently and respectfully introduce others to Christ. Just as Paul engaged culture without compromising his faith, we too can celebrate Christmas in a way that reflects Jesus’ love and truth. It’s not about avoiding culture; it’s about transforming it by keeping Christ at the center of it all. The Christmas season has a way of opening hearts, so we, likewise should keep our doors open to those seeking Jesus.
In the Lord's house, things are meant to be different. We strive to maintain our integrity, meeting people where they are—just as Paul described in First Corinthians 9 and as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28, when He instructed us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is a proactive call, not a passive one. It’s not about waiting for people to come to us but about going to them, engaging with our community, and living out the mission of the Gospel.
However, the tradition of elaborate Christmas services can sometimes foster what I call “lazy evangelism.” Instead of reaching out, we may rely on seasonal church services to bring people in, creating an inward-facing model that can discourage authentic outreach. Consider the term CEO—Christmas and Easter Only Christians. By focusing on elaborate services tailored for these seasonal attendees, we risk enabling superficial engagement rather than encouraging full participation in the body of Christ.
As a church, we must prioritize authentic worship over consumer-driven spectacles. Christ-centered worship should always take precedence over commercialized traditions. Elaborate Christmas services, while appealing, risk misrepresenting the church. They can create a “bait and switch” scenario, where CEO Christians return the following week expecting a similarly elaborate production, only to feel disappointed or deceived. This approach hinders true discipleship and sends a mixed message about who we are as a church.
Jesus consistently addressed superficial followers. In John 6:26, He rebuked those who sought Him only for the miracles and bread, urging a deeper, more committed relationship with Him. Likewise, our worship should reflect substance over spectacle, focusing on fostering genuine discipleship rather than seasonal attendance.
Commercialism and Christ-centered worship are fundamentally incompatible. Elaborate holiday services often align more with cultural expectations than with Jesus’ teachings. By embracing such practices, we dilute the gospel message, shifting the focus from spiritual growth to consumer-driven experiences. This divergence reflects the broader antithetical divide between the world and the Word—a divide we must not allow to seep into our worship.
From a historical perspective, early Christians emphasized simplicity and devotion. Their practices contrast sharply with today’s commercialized Christmas celebrations, reminding us of the importance of maintaining undivided loyalty to Christ. Our commitment should always be to genuine discipleship and consistent messaging, fostering authentic faith and discouraging superficial engagement.
Our experience supports this approach. Over the years, we’ve tried it all—candlelight services, elaborate productions, modern worship events—yet these efforts yielded little to no lasting spiritual growth. The return on investment in terms of discipleship and genuine faith has been minimal at best. By contrast, maintaining our true identity as a church encourages deeper commitment among members and promotes year-round engagement, rather than seasonal attendance.
Jesus never called us to celebrate Him on holidays alone. He desires daily devotion, not occasional appearances. Our worship and discipleship are meant to be continuous journeys, not confined to Christmas or Easter. By avoiding extravagant Christmas services, we remain true to our identity as a faithful, Christ-centered community, inviting CEO Christians to experience the essence of the faith—free from distractions, commercialism, and spectacle.
Our decision to forgo elaborate Christmas services is rooted in a commitment to authentic worship. By rejecting the bait and switch, resisting commercialism, and promoting consistent discipleship, we seek to foster a genuine and lasting faith community. It’s not about rejecting traditions altogether but about using them wisely to glorify God and point others to the true essence of Christmas—the Christ who calls us to follow Him every day, not just on holidays.
You might hear all this and say, “But Christmas is the perfect time to reach people who don’t usually come to church.” True—but are we reaching them with truth or just with tinsel? If we fill the service with elaborate theatrics and holiday cheer but avoid the hard truths of the Gospel, are we making disciples, or just adding to the problem of commercialism? If the highlight of the service is the worship team’s rendition of O Holy Night rather than the convicting power of Scripture, then we’ve just created a Broadway show, not a worship service.
You might also say, “But what if this is their only chance to hear about Jesus?” If their only chance to hear about Jesus is at a candlelight service sandwiched between eggnog and gift wrapping, then we’ve got bigger problems. Evangelism isn’t about one-time performances; it’s about fostering relationships and planting seeds of faith. Let’s aim for authentic discipleship that lasts far beyond the Christmas lights and decorations, not a flashy spectacle that burns out as soon as the holidays are over.
Another common objection might be, “But everyone loves a traditional Christmas service—it’s nostalgic!” Nostalgia is great for Christmas movies and grandma’s fruitcake, but worship isn’t about recreating It’s a Wonderful Life. Jesus didn’t come to give us warm fuzzies; He came to transform hearts. If nostalgia is the main hook, we risk turning worship into a Hallmark special instead of offering a holy encounter with the Savior.
Some might say, “But what about the CEO Christians? Don’t we need to get them back to church?” Sure, but let’s be honest. If we cater to CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only Christians) with a spectacle, we’re more likely to see them next Christmas than the next Sunday. It’s like handing out free samples at Costco but never offering the real product. Instead of a bait and switch, let’s show them the beauty of authentic, consistent worship. A flashy show doesn’t make disciples—it only reinforces the consumerism they’ve been steeped in all season long.
Another pushback could be, “But Christmas is a time to celebrate joyfully!” Absolutely—but biblical joy doesn’t come from pageants, costumes, or perfectly choreographed services. It comes from the Gospel, the same Gospel we preach every week. If we focus more on Silent Night than on the living Word, we miss the true reason for the season.
And yes, some might even say, “But if we don’t do Christmas big, people will think we’re the Grinch!” Maybe—but remember, the Grinch turned out fine in the end. He learned that Christmas wasn’t about ribbons, tags, packages, or bags. The real scandal of Christmas isn’t a lack of a nativity play—it’s the baby in the manger who grew up to challenge every societal norm and die for our sins. That’s the controversy we should be known for.
Finally, someone might argue, “But other churches do it!” Just because everyone else jumps off the sleigh doesn’t mean we should follow. Faithfulness to Christ isn’t a popularity contest. Remember, Jesus didn’t follow the trends of His day; He flipped the tables on them—literally. We are called to uphold consistent, Christ-centered worship over consumer-driven spectacles.
We should celebrate Christmas with a focus on Jesus—the miracle of His incarnation. As Paul writes in Philippians, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:5–7) This truth should astonish us every time we reflect on it.
We should use this season as an opportunity to share the Gospel with others, not just in words but in actions. Remember the parable of the sheep and the goats—our judgment will be based not only on what we did for others but also on whether we pointed them to eternal salvation. It’s not enough to feed them fruitcake; we must also feed them the Bread of Life.
Paul reminds us in Acts 20 that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Let’s live out this principle by embodying the joy and peace announced by the angels in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” This season, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should shine brightly in our lives.
But let’s also guard against the pitfalls of commercialism. The stress and chaos often associated with holiday preparations, even within churches, can bring out the worst in us. Many who have worked in ministry during the holidays know how it can rob the joy of the season. Commercialism belongs in the marketplace, not in the Lord’s house. Let’s keep it out of the church and focus on Christ.
By focusing on the miracle of Jesus’ birth and the Gospel message, we honor the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s celebrate in a way that glorifies God and brings others closer to Him—not just through seasonal traditions but through year-round devotion and discipleship.
This year, let’s simplify our celebrations and focus on Jesus. Let’s return to the Word of God, reading the biblical account of Jesus’ birth with our friends and family. By doing what Jesus instructed, we truly honor Him—not by adding layers of traditions, but by obeying His command to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
Let’s step out of our own homes and take the message of hope, joy, and peace to those around us. Let’s go from this worship service into the world and follow Jesus’ commission. Be on the lookout in your community for those in need of the Christmas message. Use this season as a bridge to Jesus, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Share the Gospel with friends and family who might not come to church this time of year. And when the opportunity arises, invite them back—not just for another seasonal service, but to real church for real people.
Let Christmas remind you of the unshakable hope, joy, and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Remember, Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree—it’s about the One who hung on the tree for us. Let’s celebrate in a way that honors Him and points others to His saving grace.
This Christmas, let’s reset our perspective. Let’s strip away the distractions and focus on what truly matters: the miracle of the incarnation and the hope it brings. Let’s remember that the greatest gift of all is not found under a tree but on one—the cross of Christ.
May our celebrations reflect the joy and humility of that first Christmas night, when the Savior of the world was born in a humble manger. And may we, like the shepherds, leave everything behind to worship Him.
Let’s make this Christmas about Jesus - the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and the Savior of the world. After all, it’s not about a tree; it’s about the One who hung on it.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene SimcoMost Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.